After getting the monstrosity back to her house, we ended up going back to the store to get a different stand for the tree because the one she had was too small.
I didn’t realize how long it took us to get the tree moved inside and positioned where she wanted it until I heard a car pulling into the driveway.
“Look, Mommy,” Brinkley shouted. “Your car came back.”
“That must be Drew,” I said and went outside to meet him.
“What was wrong with it?” I asked without preamble.
He shrugged. “They couldn’t find anything wrong with the tire. However, she was missing the cap for her valve stem, so they replaced that free of charge.”
“Huh,” I said and rubbed the back of my neck. Of course, it could’ve been a coincidence, or someone could’ve intentionally removed the cover to let the air out of her tire manually. Like someone in a white sedan who parked near her vehicle while she was in the grocery store.
“Anything with the white sedan?” I asked, even though I knew the answer because he hadn’t called.
“No,” he said disappointedly.
I chuckled. “Hoping for some action?”
He shrugged. “Maybe a little.”
“Trust me. It’ll happen sooner or later. It always does.” I clapped him on the shoulder and pulled him in for a side hug, intending to thank him and send him on his way, when an idea hit me.
“I can’t promise any excitement, but I might ask Copper to put a security detail on Mackenzie while I’m looking into something for her. Do you want the first watch?”
“Yes,” he answered eagerly, and proudly. “Yes, I do.”
“I hope you’ve got the balls to fill that sack you’re swinging.”
“Even if I don’t, I’m gonna fake it like a boss,” he laughed. “When do I start?”
“Not sure. Maybe later tonight or sometime tomorrow. I need to touch base with Spazz and okay it with Copper first.”
“Let me know. I’ll be around.”
“Appreciate it.”
Before I went back inside, I called to check in with Spazz.
“Hey, man. You got anything for me?”
He exhaled heavily. “No, and I’ve pretty much exhausted all avenues.”
“Okay, well, that’s good news. I’ll let Mackenzie know it was probably just a coincidence. Thanks.”
“Anytime, Bear.”
After we ended the call, I stood outside a little longer. I didn’t have any reason to doubt Spazz, but something wasn’t sitting right with me. Even though he didn’t say as much, I got the impression he felt the same.
When I went back inside, Mackenzie and Brinkley were sitting in the living room floor, trying to untangle a giant ball of Christmas lights.
I held up her car keys. “Good news. There was nothing wrong with your tire.”
“Really? Then why was it flat?”
“Not sure. They did say you were missing the valve stem cover, but that really shouldn’t have had anything to do with it. Sometimes it just happens.”
“Thank you,” she said and walked over to her purse. “How much do I owe you?”